Body mask - Wood - Makondé - Tanzania

This " Njorowe " body mask performed, together with the classic " Mapiko " helmet masks , and was worn by male dancers.
It symbolizes the legend of the " First " man of creation who sculpted it from a tree trunk , after which the mask suddenly became a living woman , with which he later married.

Ex. Austrian private coll. (in situ 1983)
Ex. Privé coll . Brussels.
(see photo): “ Encyclopedia of African Art .’’ , K.F.Schaedler , Munich , 2009 , page 405 (45,50 cm).

Semi hard wood type.
Red lacquer painting.
Dark brown for nipples and navel.
Traces of wear and tear on the edge, nipples and navel.
Drilled, double row of holes around nipples and hubs.
Traces of sweat on the edges on the inside.
Dry patinated inside.
Attachment holes around the edge.

Beautiful, intact and rather rare body mask!

Will be sent with Track & Trace.